Shocktober: 5 Horror Films Worth a Watch

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Growing up, October was always Shock-tober - a time when the whole family gathered around to watch classic (and not-so-classic) Horror films. Instead of blogging about the best Horror movies of all time that we all know - Halloween, The Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Shining, Psycho, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Omen, Friday the 13th, etc. - I thought I would cover five 'modern'/post 2000 Horror films worth checking out.

The House of the Devil (2009): I was a bit skeptical upon learning of this homage to kitchsy '80s horror movies, but this is surprisingly well done -- it is respectful to the genre without being overly tongue in cheek...it is fun to look at, supported by a terrific soundtrack (putting to excellent use "One thing leads to another" by the Fixx), and is well cast with unknowns to support the illusion of a straight-to-video horror flick. "House of the Devil" does boast one well-known face: character actor Tom Noonan, best known for his portrayal of Francis Dollarhyde in Michael Mann's "Manhunter." There are some genuine scares in this one, but it is particularly memorable because it is one of those rare examples of a "tribute" movie that is actually better than what it is setting out to honor.

The Strangers (2008): Yikes. I do believe that this will become a horror classic. This startlingly simplistic, yet original, scarefest does not leap out at you with ghosts, creatures from the beyond, aliens, or the demonically possessed. Instead, it unmercilessly attacks you with your worst fears -- psychopaths without a motive, assaulting you at their own pace in the middle of nowhere. If you have no patience for a feature length horror flick, but still want to be frightened, just watch the two-minute trailer and you will leave your lights on...indefinitely. Unfortunately, this chiller ultimately derails with the unnecessarily brutal and unredeeming ending...which keeps it from being perfect.

Vacancy (2007): Much like "The Strangers," Nimrod Antal's "Vacancy" relies on our worst fears, our fellow man, to scare the bejeezus out of us...this time, the setting is in one of those ramshackle flea fests of a motel that one often passes on a road trip... and then makes a mental note to never run out of gas. Ever. This was Antal's first English language film and I expect bigger things to come. Unlike "The Strangers," the ending makes for a very satisfying revenge flick. Starring Luke Wilson (surprisingly effective in a non-comedic role) and Kate Beckinsale.


Joy Ride (2001): Joy Ride - directed by John Dahl ("Unforgettable", "Rounders") - is a taut thriller about 3 twenty-somethings on a roadtrip who mess with the wrong truck driver. This highly entertaining film crisscrosses several genres and, at the end of the day, works well as a straight up thriller (with elements of a psycho slasher on the loose). Much better than similar road trips from hell (e.g., "The Hitcher"...both original and remake), this is one of those films that plays with our psyche because the events that transpire are not entire implausible and there is enough comic relief (delivered by Steve Zahn) to lighten the load. Also stars Paul Walker and Leelee Sobieski.

From Hell (2001): Detroit-brethren the Hughes Brothers ("Menace II Society," "The Book of Eli") deliver with a creepy thriller investigating the Jack the Ripper murders in 19th century London. Not surprisingly, Johnny Depp puts on his best period face and acting chops and helps carry the trite Heather Graham. Moody, suspensful, atmospheric, and terse. For an evening of films in the same vein -- I also recommend Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow."
Finally, I have a bit of a soft spot for Rob Zombie films - his remake of Halloween is definitely worthy of a watch as is The Devil's Rejects (as we all know how white trash can make me shiver in my boots). Just stay away from Rob Zombie's Halloween 2...terrible.

To rank your favorite Horror films or check out other user rankings, go to Rankography.com.